Susan Giovanniello was a 19-year-old EMT who died suddenly after finishing her shift on Sunday, April 2, 2023. She collapsed at her home in Glen Cove, Long Island, shortly after returning from work. Her fellow EMTs responded to the emergency, but they were unable to save her. The cause of her death is still under investigation, but the Nassau County fire marshal told News 12 that she suffered an “unspecified medical emergency” .
A Beloved Volunteer With a Contagious Smile
Susan Giovanniello was a dedicated and passionate volunteer who joined the Glen Cove Volunteer EMS Corps at the age of 16. She became an EMT as soon as she was old enough, and loved helping people in need. She had a contagious smile and a positive attitude that brightened up everyone’s day. Her sister is also a volunteer EMT with Glen Cove. Her colleagues and friends described her as a wonderful EMT and a great person who lived to help others.
A Hero Who Died in the Line of Duty
Susan Giovanniello’s death was declared a line-of-duty death by the county, and she was honored as a hero by the EMS community. Her wake was attended by hundreds of people, including county officials, firefighters, police officers, and fellow EMTs. County Executive Bruce Blakeman ordered all county flags to be lowered to half staff in her memory. He said, “To lose a 19-year-old who was such a great kid, it’s horrible for them and it’s horrible for us. It’s a tough day but we will make sure Susan gets the proper send-off as the hero that she was.”
